Date:         Thu, 25 Oct 2001 12:36:47 -0700
Reply-To:     Rio Rafael <rior@GARLIC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rio Rafael <rior@GARLIC.COM>
Subject:      85 GL 1.9 engine mystery...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi guys:
My original problem with my van was low oil pressure at idle. Replaced the
idiot light, no help. Installed a mechanical gauge and confirmed that it was
very low at idel, but did build to almost 40, eventually (at high enough
rpm). Compression was excellent. 95k miles.

So:
I have dissembled my 85 GL's engine...
Good news:
The cylinders still show hone marks and have no ridges.
The heads are uncracked, apparently (!).
The engine was absolutely sludge-free.
Rod bearings are unspun and don't look very worn.

Bad news:
Piston pins were not being well lubricated and had worn/galled somewhat.
The cam bearings have sections missing from the shell (just about 1 mm deep,
almost like galling).
The first cam bearing (nearest the cam gear) has the bearing material worn
down to the copper... but ONLY on the shell half that is the left case half.
The other shell is not nearly as worn. What could have caused this?

Strange news:
1 lifter had the locking circlip/wire completely missing (so the plunger was
free to move as much as it wanted in or out). No clip could be found.

Looking forward to any comments you might have. I would like to find the
source of my oiling troubles before getting this thing all together
again...wouldn't want to overlook anything.


Thanks

Rio
83.5 Westy
85 GL